The city has been the scene of nightly protests since police officers there shot and killed an unarmed, African-American teenager named Michael Brown on Saturday. Law enforcement personnel have responded to the protesters with riot gear, rubber bullets, and tear gas. Police have said Brown attacked the officer involved in the shooting and tried to take his gun. Resident of Ferguson who are protesting have accused police of routinely engaging in racial profiling.

Business Insider reached out to Nixon's office on Wednesday to ask if he had a response to the criticism. We also asked whether he was monitoring the situation in Ferguson and if he planned to travel there. Nixon's press secretary, Scott Holste sent a response noting the governor spoke at a community meeting about the protests in St. Louis County on Tuesday night.

"Since Monday morning, the Governor has been communicating with many community, faith and civic leaders, in addition to requesting the DOJ investigation," Holste said. "And I trust you saw his remarks to the standing room-only crowd at the church last night in north St. Louis County."